Why waiting makes sense...
One thing we know about Dachshunds is that they mature at a much slower rate compared to other breeds.
Often we are criticised for making the controversial statement that Dachshunds are not fully mature until they are 3 years old. However, in our extensive experience as a team of dachshund Owners, Breeders & International Show Judges, we believe this to be a fact.
It is for this reason that we believe a dachshund leaving its Mother and Breeder at 8 weeks is inappropriate. Of course it is the law that a puppy may leave a Breeder at age 8 weeks. But, in the case of a Dachshund we strongly advise that this is too soon. It is not in the best interest of the puppy.
Being a mother
Now every mother is different in both the Human and Canine world but Dachshund mothers, as a rule, are exceptionally attentive, good Mothers. If left to nurture and care for the pups in their own time, they will often continue to nurse their pups upto and over 7-8 weeks. Here at Coots at Eversden, we are “Mom led” We allow our Mothers to dictate to us when they are ready to step away from their pups and we start the weaning process accordingly in line with this. We dont rush. It is this gentle, natural transition for the puppies that we believe gives them the best start in life. It provides the right nutritional and social start to their lives.
If a puppy is not pushed to be ready to leave at 8 weeks, it can develop naturally. Mother can stay and help provide not just vital nutritional support but is there to also discipline and guide her pups. Necessary life skills. A puppy needs to be fully detached from its mother before it is ready to leave, this is essential to avoid separation anxiety and a whole list of other development issues that can follow. A puppy needs to be confident and secure to leave to go to its new family. This security is established over time by introducing routine once a Mother has left. Setting feeding, resting, and social activities, at set times, provides a routine that establishes sleeping through the night, good toilet habits and happy confident puppies. This routine cannot be established correctly if a puppy is leaving its Breeder at 8 weeks. It takes time. Pups that leave later and have had a longer time to socialise and establish routine find it easier to settle into their new homes. They are secure and relaxed and do not develop separation anxiety, show reactive behaviour or have problems adapting to a new routine in their new homes. It is a stress free transition for the puppy, his new family and the Mother.
Desensitising and learning
Consider this, a puppy shouldn’t step outside until he/she is fully vaccinated (or at least first vaccination if kept in a secure, safe, clean garden area). To establish good toilet habits it’s therefore better to wait and allow the puppy to have mastered this before he/she leaves for their new home. Puppies’ first vaccination is at 8 weeks. No time has been afforded to this vital life skill if it leaves for its new home so soon.
Desensitising a puppy to household sounds, sights and smells takes time. You can’t rush this either. Learning through play, problem solving and more importantly with other older infants and adult dogs is also an essential part of preparing them and their development. It isn’t appropriate to even start this until the puppy is at least 8 weeks old. They learn the most from other dogs. Good life skills. An example is learning how to follow, this helps later to support good recall, an important skill when they are out and about when an infant.
The list is endless why you should never take a puppy at 8 weeks. I think you have perhaps by reading this blog now got the message we are trying to deliver? We could certainly go on and list more reasons…..
If you want the best for your new family member and want him/her to have the very best start in life to be a healthy, happy Sausage then it is the right choice to select a Breeder that provides the vital time, care and support to your puppy. Never rush your puppy. It will be worth the wait…….Wait 12 weeks!!! 12 weeks is a good amount of time for your puppy to be ready. Have a read of our reviews, speak to others that have waited and this will convince you we are right. Or go one step further and wait 6 months before you take your puppy home. Here at Coots we offer both options. There is lots of info on the website about the pros and cons!
